Wreaths laid for seafarers past and present on Merchant Navy Day

Wreaths were laid at the Kirk Green War Memorial outside St Magnus Cathedral this morning, Tuesday 3 September 2024, during a remembrance event marking Merchant Navy Day. 

Acknowledging the vital role of seafarers, past and present, the Red Ensign was flown at the Royal British Legion in Kirkwall, the Kirkwall Town Hall, and at OIC’s Harbour Authority offices at Scapa as members of the public gathered.

OIC’s Deputy Harbour Master for Mainland Orkney and Scapa Flow, Bradley Drummond, welcomed attendees to the ceremony at the war memorial, saying: “Last week, I visited Hoy and was reminded of the monumental loss of lives within the Merchant Navy during the haunting Artic Convoys of World War 2.

“This year on 6 June, we saw the 80th anniversary of the D Day landings - a feat that required the bravery, support and resilience of the Merchant Navy and yet an event that also witnessed a heavy loss of life and ships.

“Today, The Red Ensign is synonymous with quality. The approximate 80,000 men and women who work at sea under this flag are responsible for 95% of our nation’s trade. Anyone who has served in the Merchant Navy does and did so, with great pride.”

Orkney’s Lord Lieutenant Elaine Grieve was then invited to lay the first wreath, attended by her appointed Cadet for this year, Bombardier Robert Tulloch.

Wreaths were also laid by others including Keith Welbon from the Royal Naval Association, Eddie Ross from the Royal British Legion Scotland, OIC Convener Councillor Graham Bevan, Barnaby Dick for OIC Marine Services and Eddie Barclay for Orkney Ferries.

Bill Spence who is former Lord Lieutenant and former honorary Norwegian consul for Orkney and has enjoyed a long career working in and representing the Merchant Navy also attended the ceremony.

The wreath laying was followed by a prayer for seafarers, read out by Catriona Matheson from the Royal Naval Association Orkney: 

Eternal Father who rulest over wind and wave 

Look with favour, we beseech Thee 

Upon the members of the Merchant Navy. 

Preserve them from the perils of storm and fog 

Of hidden and lurking enemy. 

Be strong to save them in the hour of disaster 

And bring them safe at last to their desired haven. 

Those present then observed two minutes silence.

Merchant Navy Day is a UK wide event coordinated by the Seafarers UK charity and the Merchant Navy Association and is aimed at raising awareness of the UK’s ongoing dependence on Merchant Navy seafarers, through public events and the hoisting of the UK Merchant Navy’s official flag on public buildings and landmark flagstaffs.